Program: Recording Connection for Live DJ
Audio Education Upgraded
for 2021
Amplify your life! Get inside access to the music business, extern under a professional audio engineer inside of their recording studio. Gain insider knowledge and connections during real sessions. Work hard and turn your dreams into reality.
Recording Connection audio school alternative is now enrolling students for our DJ and Electronic Music Producing Programs
The Recording Connection Live DJ with Ableton Live program teaches aspiring audio enthusiasts and music makers what it takes to be a Live DJ on the festival circuit—giving you the skills needed for creating, arranging and performing your sets.
Electronic Dance Music is the backbone of the live DJ. As a part of the Live DJ school program, you will learn the principles of the genre in order to create amazing live experiences for an array of live music audiences and settings.
The Recording Connection gives you the knowledge, experience, understanding, and connections it takes to create your own Live DJ presence. Equipped with these tools, you can be ready to follow your own path toward an intense and rewarding career!
If you want to launch your career as a DJ consider choosing a school or program that will help you connect to the music industry without forcing you into huge amounts of debt. With our on-the-job training approach, we believe the Recording Connection is the place to start your career as a real working DJ.
LEARN THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE: DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS
A Live DJ’s best friend, the digital audio workstation (DAW) has become a staple for many electronic musicians. Depending on the processing speed and storage of your laptop, it’s like having a sound studio in your computer bag. Pre-loaded with instruments, sample packs, and the ability to store and arrange your files, a Live DJ should never leave home without their DAW.
While the first DAWs had been around for a decade prior, they didn’t become commercially viable until the home computer revolution took place in the late 80s. Finally, computers had the speed and storage to bring DAWs to the masses. As the computing market kept improving, so did the DAWs.
No matter if you’re a PC or a Mac person, there are apps and software for every platform and skill level. Free DAWs will give you a basic understanding of how a DAW operates, from learning the standard DJ controllers and setting up simple hip hop tracks. More advanced software will allow you to record mixes, produce transitions between songs, and develop a complete DJ set.
For the Recording Connection Live DJ School Program, you will be given a copy of Ableton Live 10. This is industry-standard DJ software used by international stars like Skrillex and Deadmau5. They’re using it when producing music, so you definitely want to consider Ableton your go-to.
OUR PROGRAM PUTS YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION
But there’s more to becoming a Live DJ than just having the right gear. You also need to know how to use it. And that’s where the Recording Connection comes in. By working one-on-one with an experienced DJ inside of a real-world studio, our externs learn more than beat matching, sound design, and mixing techniques.
Recording Connection shows you the technical skills to become a DJ but our programs are so much more than just that! By working alongside an expert in an established studio, you’ll learn all of the things you can’t get from a book. How to work with artists, how to set up a studio that works best for you, and just how much hard work it takes to build a solid music library.
And if you intend to make a career out of being a Live DJ, you’ll need to work at it A LOT! More than spending hours on the weekend, playing songs you created for your friends, our externs learn music theory, how to use social media to market themselves, and even creating a stage persona. Because when the crowd sees you having a great time on the DJ booth, they’ll do the same on the dance floor.
Curriculum Overview
Live DJ Lesson 21 – Ableton Push
Push is a comprehensive instrument for laying down and tweaking tracks in the studio or at home – it can also be a versatile unit for performing live. Before we dive into the specifics of Push, know that Push requires absolutely no setup; Simply plug it in and Ableton will recognize and configure the device.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 20 – Final
The final exam for our Ableton Live course consists of a final written exam and a practical exam that is performed in under the supervision of your mentor. Your mentor will send a copy of your Q/A sheet to Recording Connection.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 19 – Live on Stage
Performing with Ableton Live can be as unique as you are. The first thing to ask yourself is: “What is it exactly that I want to do”? Are you trying to trigger backing tracks for your band? Are you making an Art Installation that needs looping audio material that evolves and changes over time? Are you looking to play rock-solid DJ sets that allow you to switch tempo and style with ease? Maybe you love... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 18 – Expanded Macros & External Devices
Ableton Live 9 offers a multitude of options for using external MIDI instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. In this lesson, we discuss how to configure your MIDI Settings so that you may use external synthesizers, the various options you have for using External MIDI & Audio processing devices, and how to properly set your system up for their use.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 17 – Basic Max for Live Devices II
Analog Kick is a freely available Max for Live Synthesizer specifically designed to allow users to create a multitude of different electronic kick drum sounds and other effects. You can find the Max for Live Device in .amxd format online, and you will need to download and install it for this Lesson.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 16 – Basic Max for Live Devices I
Max for Live is a visual programming environment that allows users to build instruments and effects for use within Ableton Live, and it comes bundled with Live 9 Suite. This lesson covers Basic Max for Live functionality within Ableton 9, the Max for Live devices that are included with the default install, some devices of note that any Max for Live (M4L) user should download, and where to browse thousands of M4L devices to choose... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 15 – Live 9 Features II
This lesson concentrates of the frequency analyzer (the waveform embedded into EQ Eight’s display.) This displays the amplitude and frequency of the audio entering into EQ Eight. This is a visual display of the content you are working with, and is incredibly useful.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 14 – Live 9 Features I
There are a multitude of ways to convert Audio clips to MIDI notes, allowing for extensive creative possibilities. We will discuss the various methods of doing so in detail. You will end up with a new MIDI Track containing the aforementioned audio clip, split up onto the keys.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 13 – Project Completion
So you have completed the production process with your Ableton Live Project, and want to get it out to the world. What are the final steps? It begins with looking at finalizing our mix and arrangement using your lesson 13 .als file.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 12 – Instrument & FX Racks
Racks allow you to combine multiple devices – MIDI Effects, Audio Effects, Drums and Instruments – into single devices. This not only makes preset managing easier, but also allows for control and flexibility that is truly amazing. In this lesson we will review all 4 types of racks.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 11 – Sound Design & Synthesis in Live
In addition to the sample-based instruments, the Ableton Live Suite includes 5 synthesis instruments. If you do not own the Suite, each of the instruments is available from Ableton as an add-on. Vocoder is included in both packages. This lesson includes an in-depth discussion of operator, and an overview of analog, collision, electric, and tension as well as the Vocoder device.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 10 – Sound Design & Sampling in Live
This lesson explores how we can warp audio in non-conventional ways. We include several example audio and MIDI tracks so to help explore and understand how the process works.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 9 – Arranging and Mixing Techniques
More than a necessary feature for completing projects, arrangement view has a lot to offer in many types of sound creation situations. This lesson covers the basic features employed by Live for playback and navigation in arrangement view.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 8 – Effects Processing in Live
Ableton Live 9 Suite includes 40 Audio Effect Devices. The effects can be broken down, roughly, into seven categories – though some effects may fit in more than one, and others are really un-categorizable. This lesson teaches you how to add the effect and modify it yourself, or hot-swap a preset – or you can expand the views in the browser and add the effect via a preset.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 7 – Workflow Enhancements
This lesson looks at a few features that every Live user should know how to use. With any DAW, it is the integration of features that makes one a power user. This fact is even more true with Ableton Live, as developing a workflow that matches your process is what learning Live is really about.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 6 – Integrating Features Into a Workflow
Now that you know how to create, record, and manipulate audio and MIDI clips, you will likely want to start organizing them in session view. Learn why keeping similar instruments on the same track or two and naming your clips, tracks, & scenes are important elements in workflow.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 5 – Browsers, Instrument and FX Devices, & File Management
This lesson looks at Live’s browsers and file management capabilities. Live’sbBrowsers are not peripheral features, they are integral to a smooth workflow. The Browsers are where we find files, presets, devices, plug-ins, and more. File Management is to music production as an oil change is to a sports car. If you don’t do it, things stop working as they should.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 4 – MIDI in Live
What is MIDI? It stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Officially born in 1983, it is a protocol and does not contain audio. It works by telling sound generating devices (synths, samplers, etc.) how to generate sounds. Highly flexible, MIDI does not take up a lot of space on your hard drive and makes editing and changing performances and sounds easy. Although it can be frustrating for new users at first, MIDI is your friend.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 3 – Audio in Live
This lesson looks at Live’s incredibly flexible mixer. You can change mixer & I/O settings for multiple Tracks simultaneously and drag audio from your desktop, or from any Finder/Explorer window, to the desired location in Session or Arrangement View.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 2 – Core Concepts
Learn core concepts of Ableton Live including sets (.als)–Ableton’s term for a session, or song; projects—folders that may contain sets, as well as other files and folders; tracks–for audio clips and/or audio signal flow; and MIDI tracks–for MIDI Clips and/or MIDI signal flow. MIDI Tracks also double as instrument Tracks when a virtual instrument (such as a synthesizer) is placed on the Track.... Read more
Live DJ Lesson 1 – Getting Started
Welcome to the Recording Connection’s Ableton Live 9 curriculum. The lessons contained within conform with the multitude of additions and improvements included in Ableton Live 9. This lesson details how to optimize your computer for audio work, connecting and configuring external devices with Ableton, and an overview of the Ableton Live 9 Interface.... Read more
Ableton Live Course Curriculum
About our Ableton Live Course Curriculum If you aspire to be an electronic musician or club DJ, Ableton Live is a must. Unlike other digital music production software, Ableton is specifically designed to meet the needs of electronic musicians, combining the best of in-the-box virtual instruments with powerful arranging capabilities and dynamic live-play features. When combined with a controller, Ableton could easily be the only instrument you need to create, record and perform your mixes. Like other... Read more
Recording Connection provides affordable, unique education models coupled with mentor-based (externship) programs that can be engaged remotely or in person.
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All Students Have Access To:
Other schools do classrooms and campus studio labs, with us, your classroom is a real studio in the real world.
You will only learn from an industry veteran who owns or operates his or her own real-world recording studio. Other schools employ full-time teachers who may or may not have achieved success in the real world. Our mentors are not only artists in their craft but working, successful business pros. Imagine what you can learn from them!
Many of our students have been offered the opportunity to work on real-world sessions while they are students with us!! Our students have worked with Beyoncé, Kanye West, Robert Plant, Miley Cyrus, Solange, Khalid, Lady Antebellum, Aerosmith, Marilyn Manson, Johnny Depp and Billy Bob Thornton to name a few while being taught by legendary producers Joe Chicarelli, Al Schmitt, Detail, Ross Hogarth, Ryan Hewitt, F. Reid Shippen and countless others.
Recording Connection takes a unique approach to learning music production and pride ourselves on having a very modern approach to cost. Put plainly—we hate student debt just as much as you do. Throughout our 30 years in the business, we have made it a primary focus to keep our tuition affordable. Very affordable. While we believe we could price our education at three times what it actually costs, we have made it our mission to keep costs low. When you graduate with us, you will not be buried by burdensome amounts of debt.
In addition to the industry pro who will be your mentor, tutoring is available to you for the entire time you are enrolled with us. Need help with your homework? Can't figure out Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic or more? Want to learn how to make more beats? Have a question you forgot to ask your mentor? Want career advice? Want us to help you build a song? Create a resume? Our tutors and Academic Facilitators are here for you!
Our fully staffed Career Services Department exists for one reason—to help our students and graduates get hired. From helping you create an awesome resume, to handling and scheduling your job interview, to finding job opportunities in your area, we’ve got your back.
The more you give to our programs the more you get. Want more time in the studio to study, practice or observe? Simply prove your passion and dedication to your mentor and you will find there is virtually no limit to studio access.
Personal, hands-on lab time is built into our program. You’ll never find yourself fighting over gear availability with dozens of other students. And speaking of gear, because you will be learning in a real-world recording studio you will be learning on the latest gear.
The only way to learn how things work in the real world is to learn in the real world. Since our program places you inside a real-world recording studio on the very first day, you’ll learn all the essentials: studio etiquette, client relations, shortcuts, how to meet a deadline, the art of running a recording studio and so much more. This gives you a tremendous advantage over other schools’ students who never got off the campus and who often graduate underprepared.
You’ve probably heard the expression “It’s who you know.” In the music industry this is definitely true. With The Recording Connection you have access to industry connections on a daily basis. As your progress with our program and start sitting in on recording sessions, you’ll meet your mentor’s connections—artists, producers, mixers, managers, gear reps and many more. It’s networking from the inside.
Once you are in with us, YOU ARE IN! The Recording Connection deals with hundreds of recording studios, audio engineers, music producers, mixers, record labels and studio owners on a daily basis. As long as you are a student or graduate of our programs, in good standing, our access is your access.
Our Students & Teachers
Amplify your Life
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View SuccessesAudio and Music Programs Available Learn from an Industry Professional in a Real Recording Studio.
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24-Week and 36-Week Programs Available
Capture the music in your head with our hands-on Ableton Live curriculum featuring private training from noted EDM DJs and producers. In the Recording Connection for Ableton Electronic Music Production program, learn how to elevate your music to the professional level and get your sound in front of the decision-makers at major EDM labels.
Hip Hop & Beat Making
24 Weeks
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20 Weeks
Learn Logic Pro as you extern under a professional electronic music composer, dance music producer, or touring DJ in their studio in our Recording Connection for Logic Pro Electronic Music Production program. Gain insider access to the electronic music scene. You tell us your favorite genres of electronic music, and we will help you produce that type of music.
Music Producing
20 Weeks
Looking to build a career as a music producer? Our insider access is your opportunity to make lasting hookups that can help you get started at producing today’s music. In our Recording Connection for Music Producing program, you’ll learn in private sessions with a professional producer who can show you the ins-and-outs of this dynamic career.
Audio Engineering & Music Production
20 Weeks
From the basics of listening and microphone placement to Pro Tools and mastering, extern with a professional audio engineer in the studio, learn in the trenches and on-the-job. Take your dreams to the professional level in our Recording Connection for Audio Engineering & Music Production program.